Before the apocalypse, Hart's Mill was used as a sawmill for national timber supplier H.R. Hart Timber Inc. In a time where most modern logging operations were segueing into high technology and computerization, entrepreneur and founder Henry Hart still believed in the quality of work that was created by keeping operations low-tech. At the time, it was the largest employer in the area and was the backbone and face of the community. Hart's Mill was quickly becoming a national player in high-quality hardwoods, but the success of the operation met an unlikely and tragic end. One breezy Fall day a routine shipment of logs turned into a catastrophic event that touched the lives of the entire community. The semi-trailer used to haul the load of uncut timber was over-stacked and as it pulled into the grounds the trailer's wall gave way. Tons of uncut timber logs cascaded out and down the small retaining hill that led to the mill. Many of the workers were seated on the outdoor lunch benches when the accident occurred. The logs came crashing down and crushed 22 workers to death and injured several more. Although the accident didn't result from the low-tech equipment Hart's operation used, the bad publicity sunk the company within weeks and drew countless indictments from Labor Organizations. Hart's Mill shut down shortly thereafter and Henry Hart disappeared into the confines of the mill never to be seen again. Soon the mill became dangerous and the county deemed it condemned.
When the apocalypse occurred it left Hart's Mill to its own cruel existence. While most of the structure still stands today, it is decrepit by all accounts. There are several gas-powered generators that have been left within the heart of the mill along with an alleged supply of gasoline. These have been passed over by visitors because the mill itself is as deceitful and treacherous as any blood-thirsty raider met in the wastes. Intermittent power surges created by the aging generators produce an aura of life inside of the mill. Some say once in a while, on a breezy Fall day the shriek of whirring saw blades can be heard echoing out across the land, of course those close to the legend prefer to think of it as the shrill screams the workers made before the careening logs crushed the life out of them. While it has been discovered and scavenged, Hart's Mill remains relatively untouched.
Inhabitants:
Rarely visited by highwaymen or raiders. A few trading caravans and merchants use it as stop to trade goods to those traveling to Rivertown from the north. Because its relatively quiet, there are an abundance of animals in the area and, without a doubt, there are nests and dens made by animals in the mill as well. Roll 2d10 (percentile) - a 01 to 35 means that Henry Hart is sneaking around.
When the apocalypse occurred it left Hart's Mill to its own cruel existence. While most of the structure still stands today, it is decrepit by all accounts. There are several gas-powered generators that have been left within the heart of the mill along with an alleged supply of gasoline. These have been passed over by visitors because the mill itself is as deceitful and treacherous as any blood-thirsty raider met in the wastes. Intermittent power surges created by the aging generators produce an aura of life inside of the mill. Some say once in a while, on a breezy Fall day the shriek of whirring saw blades can be heard echoing out across the land, of course those close to the legend prefer to think of it as the shrill screams the workers made before the careening logs crushed the life out of them. While it has been discovered and scavenged, Hart's Mill remains relatively untouched.